While most of us are celebrating the holiday season with friends, family and loved ones, there are some families who may be less fortunate. In the case of some Clayton County and DeKalb County schoolchildren, they are lacking basic hygienic needs that most of us sometimes overlook. Johari Dozier set out to address the issues by making sure children are given the essential daily hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo.
In 2018, he created the Clean Cargo Project, a non-profit program that fought to address those issues. The Clean Cargo Project is currently serves schools Dekalb and Clayton County. The program currently serves the following schools: All Good Elementary, Brockett Elementary, Freedom Middle School, Browns Mill Elementary School, Stone View Elementary, Miller Grove Middle School and Cedar Grove Middle School. Currently, the Clean Cargo Project has 12 trashcans that have a 35-gallon capacity and has a goal of acquiring 50-100 trashcans for the hygiene products.
“We wanted to use trashcans because the schools didn’t have the space for hygiene closets,” Dozier explained. “Schools loved it because they recognized the space, so much so, the teachers rolled the trashcans around to the different classrooms so everyone can chip in.”
Last Thursday the Clean Cargo Project treated the Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA) and Robotics team from Freedom Middle School breakfast for completing their community service challenge of filling up their Clean Cargo trashcan carrier. This group spent four weeks collecting items. The trashcan has more than 500 hygiene items that was donated. Students receive an appreciation certificate for their dedication to serve others.
“The public can donate funds and hygiene products,” says Dozier. “One of our goals is to get a van to transport and an office to work out of.”
Dozier says the Clean Cargo Project is looking to expand to other schools and counties at the top of the year. The program is looking to impact more than 10,000 students in 2020 with their “Trashcan For Good” pop up drive.
“We plan on expanding the program to Fulton and Gwinnett counties in 2020,” Dozier says. “We service Title I schools, but other schools can partner with us as we promote giving and our program.”
Currently, the program works out of a donated warehouse in Conyers, as well as Dozier’s home.
If school administrators and businesses want to get involved with the Clean Cargo Project, they can donate or check out their website at CleanCargoProject.com.
